SOMERSET WEST – The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate recently held a community meeting for residents of Strand, Somerset West, and nearby areas. Officials provided progress reports on the Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project, a R44.5 million investment aimed at protecting these communities from the devastating floods that have plagued them in the past.
The project, a collaboration between the Directorate and the Lourens River Catchment Management Forum, is moving forward successfully. Since 2001, the City has made significant investments in the river, including riverbank reconstruction, invasive plant removal, and replanting of native vegetation.
The current phase focuses on upgrading and maintaining a 6km portion of the Lourens River between Hathersage Farm and Beach Road. Work includes:
- Constructing and rehabilitating gabion baskets/mattresses for erosion protection
- Building earth berms, erosion-preventing blocks, and retaining walls
- Refurbishing existing stormwater pump stations
- Relining concrete pipes
The Lourens River is a vital but volatile waterway. Its catchment area covers 130km2 in the Helderberg Basin, and it was declared a Protected Natural Environment in 1997. However, the region’s topography and weather patterns make the river prone to severe flooding, as tragically seen in 2013 and 2023.
“The success of our major infrastructure projects depends on these community interactions,” said Councillor, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation. “The Lourens River Flood Alleviation Project is a priority to protect residents and businesses. We work diligently to complete the work sustainably and with minimal environmental impact.”
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